How to Prepare for a New Puppy

 Getting a new puppy is an exciting time but it is also a stressful one. 

As with any new addition to the family, there are lots of things to organize before you hear the pitter-patter of four little paws. 

If you are about to bring a new puppy into your home but you are not sure where to even begin with getting ready for this momentous occasion, then the below blog will tell you everything you need to know. 

Buy all the essentials 

Puppies need quite a lot of stuff to keep them happy and well looked after, so you need to make sure you have stocked up on all the essentials before you bring them home. 

Some of the ideas that you need to buy include:

• A food bowl 

• A water bowl 

• Poop bags 

• A travel dog crate or harness

• A dog bed 

• Grooming tools 

• Puppy toys 

• Lead/collar 

• Puppy pads 

• A puppy toothbrush and toothpaste 

You may also want to invest in a crate for your home as this can help your puppy to feel safe and adjust to their new surroundings. Check out these effective crate training tips that can help your new puppy get used to being in a crate.  

Puppy-proof your home 

The next step is to make sure that your home is safe for your new puppy. The easiest way to identify any dangers or hazards is to look at each room through the eyes of a puppy. Yes, this means getting down on all fours and having a wander about.

Some of the dangers you may encounter include:

• Dangling or loose wires or string

• Household toxins

• Small objects that could pose a choking hazard

• Any items that are breakable 

• Heights that could pose a risk 

• Exposed rubbish 

This list is not exhaustive and you may encounter other potential dangers as you look around your home. 

Prepare your family 

Getting a puppy is a big commitment and you need to ensure that everyone in your household is aware of this. It can be a good idea to sit everyone down a few days or a week before your new arrival is due to discuss how you are going to manage them. 

Some of the questions you may want to ask include:

• What are the house rules for the new puppy? 

• Where in the home are they allowed to go?

• Who is going to carry out what jobs? For example, feeding the puppy, training the puppy, etc. 

If you have young children, you will also need to speak to them about how they should act around the new puppy. Although their natural reaction may be to squeal with delight or jump up and down, this can be scary for a puppy so it is important that you ask them to stay calm. 

Consider your other pets 

If you already have other pets in your home, you need to think carefully about how you are going to introduce them. In the first few days, it can be beneficial to keep your new puppy in a separate room so that they can get used to your home and your family members before you introduce them to another dog, cat, or other animal. 

Also, when you do introduce them, make sure to do this gradually, as too much exposure too soon can be overwhelming.